Scammers use AI-generated photo to extort family after Coimbra woman disappears voluntarily
A 37-year-old woman who vanished from Coimbra’s downtown on July 1 had actually left voluntarily, but during the search, unknown scammers sent her family an AI‑manipulated photo to demand a ransom. She was found safe on July 8.
Voluntary disappearance
Raquel Pimentel, 37, was reported missing on July 1 in downtown Coimbra. Following wide publicity in the media and on social networks, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), together with PSP and GNR, located her on July 8. The investigation concluded she had left voluntarily, with no evidence of third‑party involvement.
AI ransom scam
During the search, unidentified individuals contacted Pimentel’s family and demanded a ransom. To give the demand credibility, they sent a photograph of the woman that had been manipulated using artificial intelligence, creating the impression she had been kidnapped. The PJ continues to investigate the extortion attempt and to identify the suspects.
Police warning
The PJ issued an alert that such schemes exploit the emotional vulnerability of victims and their relatives through the fraudulent use of new technologies. The case underscores how AI misuse can amplify traditional extortion tactics.
